During a recent interview in Italy, Calvin Johnson opened up much more than he previously had about why he decided to walk away from the Detroit Lions. In addition to being beaten up from playing the game, Johnson unveiled more about why he left while still had gas in the tank.

“If I was to keep playing, I would have to play in Detroit, and that just wasn’t for me anymore.”

The former Lions receiver also made it clear that he did not believe Detroit was anywhere near a Super Bowl.

“I didn’t see a chance for them to win a Super Bowl at the time, and for the work I was putting in, it wasn’t worth my time to keep on beating my head against the wall and not going anywhere.”

Since the media got a hold of those comments, many fans and analysts have come out to show their disgust in the way Johnson is handling things in his retirement.

Calvin Johnson has never been a " verbal " leader, we certainly don't need him to be one now!

Dan Orlovsky to the rescue

One player who has experience playing with Johnson and knows him well is former Lions backup quarterback, Dan Orlovsky. On Wednesday, Orlovsky responded to some tweets in defense of his former teammate.

@RossTuckerNFL a lot being said of CJ post his comments. I spent 6 seasons with him. He is as classy, hard working and stand up as anyone